There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from giving yourself or someone else a great haircut. While clippers are fast, mastering a pair of scissors gives you incredible control and the ability to create soft, textured, and natural-looking styles. With a bit of patience and the right technique, you can achieve professional-looking results from the comfort of your home.
Gathering Your Haircutting Toolkit
Before you make the first cut, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. You’ll need a pair of sharp barber shears, a fine-toothed comb, hair clips to section the hair, a spray bottle with water, and a towel. Damp hair is much easier to cut evenly than dry hair. Having a second mirror can also be very helpful for checking the back of the head.
The Importance of a Good Consultation
Whether you’re cutting your own hair or someone else’s, start with a clear plan. Talk about the desired length and style. It can be helpful to have a picture for reference. Remember, you can always take more hair off, but you can’t put it back, so it’s best to start with a conservative length and adjust from there.
Mastering the Basic Scissor-Over-Comb Technique
This is a fundamental barbering method for cutting the sides and back. Hold the comb teeth-up against the head, and use your scissors to cut the hair that protrudes above the comb. Work your way up from the hairline, using the comb as a guide to create an even fade or a blunt cut. The key is to use small, steady movements and consistently check your work from different angles.
Trimming the Top for Texture and Shape
For the top of the hair, many stylists use a technique called “point cutting.” Instead of cutting straight across, which can look blunt, you point the tips of your scissors into the ends of the hair and make small snips. This method removes weight and creates a softer, more textured finish. Always cut small sections at a time, and check for balance between the left and right sides.
Final Blending and Clean-Up
Once the main sections are cut, it’s time to blend everything together. Look for any harsh lines where the longer hair on top meets the shorter sides. Use a scissor-over-comb technique or point cutting to softly blend these areas. Don’t forget to clean up the neckline and around the ears for a polished look.
Cutting hair with scissors is a skill that improves with practice. Start with simple trims and build your confidence. Each cut teaches you something new about texture, direction, and technique, bringing you closer to mastering the art of the perfect scissor cut.